章節 14: Chapter 15: The Path Forward

Alexander's expression turned more thoughtful. After a brief pause, he said, "You mentioned Home. If you truly are human then there is only one way home."

My eyes widened slightly, but before I could press further, Alexander added, "I'll tell you once we're done with our conversation."

I frowned but nodded reluctantly. Satisfied, Alexander leaned forward, his gaze piercing despite his clouded eyes. "Do you remember anything before waking up in the Tomb?" he asked, his voice carrying an undertone of curiosity and something else...

"I- uh...", I wasn't expecting that question, but I probably should've. "Yeah, I don't think there are any memory problems."

Alexander exhaled, "Do you mind telling me any details?"

"... Sure?", Is he trying to make sure I'm telling the truth? "Well, before I woke up it was like a normal day for me. Sitting on the couch watching some football. Then I suddenly fell asleep and woke up in that tomb."

I stretch a bit, "I mean... It's not weird for me to take naps but, weirdly, I get transported somewhere."

I lean back slightly in the wooden chair, though not too much since it feels on the brink of falling backward. "Let along with MAGIC!"

Alexander nodded slowly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table as he absorbed my words. "A normal day... and then, without warning, you find yourself in a place like this. No memory of how you got here, no sign of anything unusual before it happened?"

"No-", I suddenly get interrupted by a lady who places two menus in front of us.

The lady's eyes, like most, are a deep shade of violet. Though her horns protrude from her forehead before pointing upwards. Her horns also match the color of her skin, which is a dusty brown. A strand of black hair drops down her face, though the rest of her hair is lavender and in a messy bun.

I recognize her, but now, as she looks at me... Her smile doesn't seem as forced.

"What would you two like this evening?", She says, taking out a notepad and pen.

Alexander tilted his head slightly, his blind eyes seeming to focus on the lady's voice. "I'll have the same as Winston. Whatever he's having."

"Very well," the waitress said with a nod. She turned to me, waiting for my response.

"I'll have what I did last time, the Kitopo egg salad with dried seaweed and toast, and the Camaberry Honey Ale, please," I said confidently.

"Coming right up," she replied with a warm smile, before turning and heading toward the kitchen.

However, I could see her genuine smile turned forced as she looked at the other people in the tavern.

Alexander shifted his attention back to me, his expression thoughtful. "You mentioned a normal day... watching football and then falling asleep. How did it feel when you woke up in that tomb? Any sense of déjà vu or odd sensations?"

I hesitated, thinking back. "Not really. It was just a sudden jolt. One moment I was on the couch, and the next, I was in that tomb. No dreams or strange feelings before it happened."

Alexander nodded, absorbing my words. "And no memory of anything that might have triggered this… transition?"

I shook my head. "Nothing that I can remember. It was all pretty ordinary... until it wasn't."

Alexander's fingers drummed on the table again. "hmmm..."

I glanced at the waitress as she approached with our food, the aroma of the meal filling the air. Alexander's curious gaze seemed to follow her, even though he couldn't see her. As she placed the dishes on the table, he nodded his thanks.

"Enjoy your meal," she said before leaving us alone again.

Alexander took a moment to savor the smell of the food before turning his attention back to me. "Is there any particular reason you want to go back home?"

I took a bite of my meal, but, I hesitated for a moment. I sit in silence for a moment before taking a deep breath. "Yeah... I... I miss my wife and child. Even if-..." I stopped myself.

I could feel a few tears stream done my face at the thought.

Alexander nodded, giving me a moment to compose myself. "I understand," he said quietly. "Family is a powerful motivator. It's what keeps us anchored, even when everything else is unfamiliar."

I nodded, as I wiped the tears away. The aroma of the food provided a small comfort as I focused on eating, trying to steady my thoughts. The food is still as delicious as it was before...

Alexander continued, his voice steady. "Returning to your previous life might not be straightforward. This world, and your presence here, might be part of a larger... A larger event than you would've first expected."

I looked up, curiosity piqued. "Event?"

"I believe so," Alexander replied, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "There could be reasons beyond our immediate understanding."

I furrowed my brow, digesting his words. "So, you're saying there's more to this than just finding a way back?"

"Precisely," Alexander said. "You being here might be linked to something significant. But for now, we need to address the immediate concerns."

I nodded, though the uncertainty lingered. What is he trying to say? Is he trying to say that there is some important reason that I'm here?

Alexander took a sip of his drink and then continued. "As for your way home, the way to do so would be to find the reason you are here in the first place. And I know who could help with that."

I took a deep breath, trying to focus on the present. "Alright... I'm listening..."

Alexander's smile grew with a hint of pride. "Good. Let's finish our meal and then discuss our next steps."

As we continued our meal, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was crawling on my back. Not literally, of course, but... I guess I'm a bit shaken after thinking about Kelcy. I miss her so very much...

Suddenly, I coughed and realized I finished my food. "Oh-!..." I look over to Alexander, just finishing his meal.

After a few moments of silence, Alexander reached into his coat and pulled out a small leather pouch. He carefully placed a few silver C'ivonbills on the table, enough to cover both meals.

"I'll take care of this," Alexander said, his voice calm yet firm.

I blinked, feeling a mix of gratitude and surprise. "You didn't have to do that."

Alexander waved off my protest with a slight smile. "Consider it a gesture of good faith."

I nodded, appreciating the gesture. As Alexander began to rise from his seat, he paused and looked at me with those clouded eyes. It felt like he was looking into my soul...

"There are things I need to attend to tonight, but I want you to meet me here again in the morning," he said. "Finish whatever business you have, and then we'll go together to meet the person who can help you find your way home."

My heart skipped a beat at his words. This was it—an actual lead on how to get back. I gave a determined nod as my smile grew large. "I'll be here."

Alexander's smile returned, more subdued this time, almost as if he was lost in thought. "Good. Rest well tonight, Winston."

With that, he turned and made his way toward the door. I watched as he exited the tavern. Now, the light outside is getting dimmer.

I remained seated for a moment, processing everything that had happened. My thoughts swirled, from the conversation with Alexander to the promise of finding a way home. It all seemed so close, yet so far...

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my things and prepared to head to the manor. "It shouldn't hurt if I'm early...", I muttered.

My mind was already racing with what I needed to do before meeting Alexander again.

As I approached the manor, the towering structure seemed even more imposing under the dimming light. Though it didn't remind me of a modern building it's larger than the other homes around here.

The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the ornate stonework. The manor's windows gleamed faintly, with dry grass as window covers swayed in the wind.

I hesitated for a moment before stepping up the door. It was solid, with intricate carvings that I couldn't quite make out in the fading light. Taking a deep breath, I reached out and knocked.

The sound echoed through the space beyond the door, and I stepped back, waiting. There was no immediate response, and the stillness of the manor began to feel unsettling.

After what felt like minutes, I glanced around, wondering if I should knock again. But then, the door creaked open slightly, revealing a dimly lit room inside. The air that drifted out was cool, carrying a faint scent of old wood and something floral.

I stepped inside cautiously, closing the door behind me. The room was wide, with walls lined with dark wood paneling. Tapestries hung along the walls, their designs obscured by shadows.

I made my way further inside, the floorboards creaking slightly under my feet. As I reached what looked like a sitting room, I decided to wait.

There was a large, comfortable-looking chair near the fireplace, which was unlit but clean as if prepared for use. I sat down, feeling the soft cushions sink slightly under my weight.

For a while, I simply waited, listening to the faint sounds of the manor. The quiet was almost eerie, with only the occasional creak or distant rustle breaking the silence.

After what felt like an eternity, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned to see Kaigara entering the room, behind him, Z'zatira followed, dressed in different clothes than before. Her outfit was simple, a beige shirt tied at the neck with tassels and black leggings that hugged her legs. She looked more relaxed than before.

Kaigara gave me a nod as he entered, his eyes assessing. "Winston," he greeted, his voice as gruff as ever. "I see you're early."

I stood up from the chair, giving a small nod in return. "I hope that's alright. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything."

Also, I didn't have anything else to do... But he doesn't need to know that.

Z'zatira smiled faintly, her violet eyes warm yet tired. "It's fine, Winston. We were just finishing up some preparations." She moved to a stand on a coffee table in the middle of the room.

The stand had a button on the bottom of it. She pressed it, and suddenly, a spark of yellow light sparked and created a bulb that illuminated the room.

"Preparations?" I ask; after all, I thought they just needed to talk.

"Yes. Since you did save my daughter, and as I am the chief of the village-" my eyes widened as Kaigara said that, but he continued, "I need to thank you and reward you accordingly."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he raised a hand to stop me. "Tomorrow morning, we'll be holding a festival in your honor. The village will celebrate your bravery, and I'll personally see to it that you're rewarded with C'ivonbills for your efforts."

I blinked, taken aback by the sudden announcement. "A festival? That's... generous, but I have to leave tomorrow. I'm meeting someone in the morning."

Z'zatira's smile faltered slightly, but she nodded in understanding. "You can still sleep here tonight, in our guest room. It would be an honor to host you."

Kaigara crossed his arms, his brow furrowing slightly. "If you must leave, we'll give you a proper farewell. But may I ask why you're in such a hurry to go?"

I hesitated, feeling the weight of his question. "I need to get back home," I said, the words coming out more quietly than I intended.

Kaigara studied me for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Do as you wish, Winston. We'll celebrate your departure and welcome you back whenever you choose to return."

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence as I processed their generosity. It was my fault in the first place that Z'zatira was in that position... Also...

Whatever... I just need to get back home...

"Thank you," I finally said, "But um... I'd love to have fun before I leave..."

After all, they've been nothing but nice even though I caused them such hardship.

Kaigara gave a short nod, and Z'zatira smiled gently. "Get some rest, Winston. We'll see you in the morning."

With that, I followed Z'zatira as she led me to the guest room. However, my thoughts were weighing on me. I eventually fell asleep in this comfortable straw and pillow bed.